The DeSmet leader. (DeSmet, Kingsbury Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-01-08
Sparks New Questions.
Marhall News Messenger.

Charlie Patterson says I've is mighty
glad to be relieved Of the duties OF
county clerk. as the new requirements
of the proving up land laws are not
only extensive and ridiculous. but re-
quire more more ingenuity than the or
dinary county clerk possesses to make
answers for those proving up. a Phil
adelphia lawyer Is necessary TO the oc-
caSiOn, as a regular cIoSS-eXamination
is now required, and the claimant, to
be successful, must be something Of a
scientist, naturalist. chemest, a
mncralOgist. a mighty good mathema-
ilciaU, ava SIiidlt IIaI. "a IUuI 81
when a claimant fails in any Of
these qualifications, the county clerk is
TO make it up.
In making final homestead proof
the claimant has to undergo cross
examination, and some of the questions
we viii give, az they show the present
administration has got the land busi-
ness down fine, and the government
amply protected against the many
frauds that have been previously per-
petrated.
O. What domestic fowls or animals
and live stock DO you own and keep on
this place?
If the fowls are Of scrub descent. it
is probable that Sparks will think this
IN. Of ti,rn -,
interview you. There should be at
least one rooster to every ten chickens.
The President is married and does not
believe in celhacy.
q. Wen. depth: feet curbed or un-
curbed; depth Of water, and cost Of
well?
An American citizen is supposed to
be acquainted with his well. If you
cannot swear as TO how many feet of
water there are in your well, it will
probably be taken rs "A sign that you
have designs on the government. 1t
might be well to stand ready to stake
your reputation on the assertion that it
is dug into the ground
Q. Is house permanently attached to
the ground?
This is strong point. 1t is not suf-
ficient that YOU are attached TO your
house, but the government officials
want to know if your house is perma-
nently attached To the ground This
question must be answered without
evasion. If you have got your resi-
dence tied to the ground there is q
chance that you will pull through. An
attachment served by the sheriff will
not be accepted.
O. How many times, especially
nights, have you been absent from home
since you have commenced actual resi-
dence thereon?
A man has to live on his claim only
five years before he can make proof.
If YOU have an active mind and reten-
tive memory it will probably be no
trouble to remember how many times
you have been away from home within
the last five years.
Tie gentlemen who sent out these
questions are mighty particular, and
you should be exact in regard to this
point.
There are many more questions as
important and as easy to answer. We
feel that the land department at Wash
ington is doing great work, and the
following questions We propose might
be added to their list. They are equal
in Importance to some Of the questions
now used:
Spell cat.
Did your mother give birth to youi
if so. give your reasons.
Is your farm located In the county IL
which il is situatedp
ODo you chew Spearhead or Nortl
| Star tobacco?
Give complete history of family bacl
to Adam.
Is well permanently attached 4
ground?
Are you subject to constipation?
Is the moon made of green cheesep
Give exact dimensions OF straw pile
DO you raise mince pie?
Do you ante? What limitY